Casa de Vila Nova is owned by the Lencastre family, of aristocratic Portuguese lineage (one of their ancestors became the first Baron of Varzea do Douro in the 1800s). This land has been in their family since the 12th century – the ivy clad tower that still remains from that time is now surrounded by Vila Nova (new house) that was built in the 1700s, and the property was gradually extended over the centuries. The estate is near the town of Penafiel, close to the eastern border of Portugal’s vinho verde wine region, around a 30 minute drive east from Oporto. In the late 1970s the family planted vines over 12 hectares – mainly local Portuguese varieties. In 2008 Bernardo Lencastre and his brothers took over the running of the property, revitalised the vineyards and began making vinho verde and bottling their own wines – the first generation to do so. They now have around 42 hectares of vineyard.

Here, in the Entre-Douro-e-Minho sub-region of Sousa, their vineyards are influenced by winds from the Atlantic Ocean – creating the perfect climate to ripen varieties such as Fernao Pires, Avesso and Trajadura.

What some of our trade customers say

“We've been sourcing wines from Talking Wines for our tapas bar Los Gatos in Swindon since 2008. Simon lists so many great value, carefully chosen wines from small independent producers, that he now supplies the lion's share of our wine lists for both Los Gatos and our French restaurant Bistro les Chats. We moved our business to Talking Wines from a larger importer, not only because of the wine but because the service Simon and his team provide is second to none.”

Phil Saunter – Los Gatos & Bistro Les Chats

“We discovered Talking Wines a couple of years after we opened and it has been our pleasure to grow up with them since. From the beginning they have been consistently great about what they do from the diverse range of wines offered and the quality of the wines to the friendly and professional service. Their ever present enthusiasm for all things wine is completely infectious and their combined knowledge staggering, they leave no stone (terroir!) unturned in their quest for the next addition to the list. I look forward to many more years of business with them.”

Tom Greenstock – Horse & Groom

“Talking Wines offer a diverse and interesting range of wines, all competitively priced. The team are professional and knowledgeable and deliver exceptional customer service.”

Mark Everett – Russell’s of Broadway

“When we were originally choosing a wine supplier for our pub, we saw several who were quite disappointing. Talking Wines came in - we loved ALL their wines and we immediately decided to use them. A wise decision. They are great to deal with and the wines do really well.”

Paula Woof – The Tally Ho Community Pub

“Talking wines are quite literally a breath of fresh air, Richard and his team are both knowledgeable and innovative in recognising my customers sometimes very exacting requirements and have exceeded my expectations over a relatively short period of time. Keep up the good work chaps!”